Friday, September 12, 2008

Green mommy update #1

A few months ago, I decided to trade in some of my "old ways" for greener alternatives...not only for benefits to the environment, but in hopes of protecting Katie, as long as I can. Here are some of my product reviews.

Muti-purpose cleaning:
  • Vinegar and water - you really do get over the smell after awhile...and it is only short lived. I've been using this solution to clean our kitchen floors now that Katie is crawling everywhere. I also use it to clean down her highchair cover (and everything else that she gets messy during mealtimes).
  • Method Grapefruit all surface cleaner - toted as a naturally derived, non toxic cleaner. I've been using this to clean kitchen counters because I love the scent and feel that it does a better job than vinegar. Bonus - it is biodegradable.

Kitchen sink:

  • I've been sprinkling baking soda all over the sink and then dousing it with vinegar. I do love the "sizzling" sound it makes and hope that indicates some breaking down of dirt. After it sits for awhile, I use the baking soda/vinegar paste to scrub the sink and then wash it all down the drain with hot water. It has been working fairly well, but does not get it as sparkly as windex or other steel cleaners.

Baby products:

  • Placemats - I've always been paranoid about having Katie eat off restaurant tables, especially because she can't use a plate (it will just end up on the floor). After numerous meals out, I noticed some kids with disposable placemats stuck on the table. I looked into them and found that they were very convenient and had pull off sticky strips that stuck to the table. When you were done with the meal, you just roll it up and toss it. The more I thought about it, it seemed very wasteful, not to mention expensive. They run about $8.99 for a 15-20 pack. I went to the store and instead purchased the Tiny Diner Placemat. It rolls up and fits in a diaper bag and also uses suction to adhere to tables (although they don't always work on vinyl tablecloths). It has been working well so far and I'd like to think that we're saving a few trees by not purchasing all the disposable placemats.
  • Seventh Generation Free & Clear dish soap - I've been using this to clean Katie's bottles, sippy cups and bowls/plates. It is non toxic, no dyes, colorings, etc. I will admit that it does not get as sudsy as a typical dish liquid, but her things get clean nonetheless. I also like that I'm not using a colored, fragranced soap on her things.
  • Method baby wash - I'm still using this and you can read more about it on my previous post. http://babylamken.blogspot.com/2008/06/method-baby-squeaky-green-baby-wash.html

Those are all my reviews for now. I'm currently on the search for "green" hardwood floor cleaner and toilet bowl cleaner. Any suggestions?

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

More videos, by popular demand

These are not very exciting...but here they are anyway!




Sunday, September 7, 2008

She stands! (NC vacation)


We just got back from our NC vacation and I thought I'd share some beach pictures. Katie was not crazy about the ocean...I think the crashing waves and noise was a little frightening. On a more positive note, our big girl started standing recently and had to show off on the beach.
Check her out!

She had lots of "firsts" on her vacation. First time in the ocean, first bowl of grits (she loved them), first snapper, first sweet potato fries (so good), first taste of sausage and first homemade mac and cheese. She loved hanging out with Grandma and Grandpa, too. Below is a video of Grandma making her laugh, while acting like a goofball. Note the "fake" laugh from both Grandma and Katie.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Katie's photo shoot

To get ready for her big birthday next month, we went to Portrait Innovations today. Although I wasn't thrilled with some of the backgrounds and poses from the photographer, overall I am happy with the end result...thanks to Katie's smiley face! There were some other children there that didn't smile for the pictures, which was a shame.
The photographer let her do 3 outfits because she was so easy. Here are a few great shots from yesterday!












In other birthday news, the invitations have been sent and that is about it! I am practicing her cake this weekend and if that doesn't work out, I'll order something. I do have almost all her gifts bought, so that is all she needs!

Friday, August 8, 2008

Child care study

This is a pretty scary study and one of the few that have compared fatalities/injuries at FDCs (Family Day Cares), In home (nanny), and Day Care Centers. It isn't a pleasant topics, but it is something that most parents would find interesting. I actually read the whole thing, but I know most people won't want to...so, I suggest looking at the tables on Page 13 and 21.

http://www.gc.cuny.edu/faculty/research_briefs/childCare.pdf

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

4-H Fair

Last weekend was the Frying Pan 4-H fair. Since I used to do it as a child, I thought it was time for Katie to check it out! She saw lots of animals, a horse show, dog competition and she loved watching the cloggers!

She also loved walking in the grass and was very cute in her white dress. Grandma and Grandpa were trying to get her to walk on her own...










Sunday, August 3, 2008

Katie's big dunk

We've all been waiting for Katie's big dunk...and here it is! She didn't cough or take in any water. We were so proud!